Effectiveness of School Health Programs in Promoting Hygiene Practices Among School Children: A Pre-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Inadequate hygiene practices among school children remain a significant contributor to communicable diseases, school absenteeism, and poor health outcomes in developing countries. Schools offer a strategic setting for implementing health promotion interventions aimed at improving hygiene behaviour during formative years.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured school health program in enhancing hygiene practices among school children in a selected community area.

Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pretest–post-test design was employed. Forty school children were selected using non-probability convenient sampling. Baseline hygiene practices were assessed using a structured questionnaire, followed by implementation of a school health education program. Post-intervention assessment was conducted using the same tool. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including paired t-test and chi-square test.

Results: Prior to the intervention, 65% of children demonstrated poor hygiene practices, while none exhibited good practices. Post-intervention, 82.5% of participants demonstrated good hygiene practices. The mean hygiene practice score increased significantly from 15.12 ± 1.95 to 24.75 ± 2.75 (t = 16.84, p < 0.001). Significant associations were observed between pretest hygiene practices and gender (p = 0.048) as well as source of health information (p = 0.046).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that structured school health programs are highly effective in improving hygiene practices among school children. Integrating regular, school-based hygiene education into routine academic activities may contribute to sustained behavioural change and reduced hygiene-related morbidity